Philly Chit Chat

This Friday February 11 , the Opera Company of Philadelphia raises the curtain on a new production of Gounod’s Romeo & Juliet. Saturday evening, this past February 5, The Opera Company of Philadelphia (OCP) held the L’Amour & Couture Gala at Philadelphia’s Loew’s Hotel benefiting education programs at the OCP.
The Capulets and the Montagues are shown as major fashion houses in a 21st Century world of models, paparazzi, and haute couture. As part of this much-anticipated new production, the Opera Company has partnered with the premier design schools in the region, Moore College of Art and Design; Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and Philadelphia University to create cutting-edge costume design and creating an opportunity to spotlight the tremendous design talent being cultivated in Philadelphia. Saturday night at the Loews Hotel their was a Gala in celebration of the opening of Romeo & Juliet. After an introduction by the Chairman of The Philadelphia Opera Company’s Stephen A Madva,

Eliana Papadakis and Maria Papadakis,
L’Amour & Couture Co-Chairs, explained that the gala was created to recognize the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s long tradition of cultivating young artists, a tradition exemplified by OCP’s upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet in which the young lovers are played by a real-life husband and wife duo who first came to OCP’s attention while students at the Academy of Cal Arts.

Mrs Papadakis telling the story of how Maria was introduced to Opera by being in an Opera when she was young. Then the duo discuss Romeo and Juliet.
Husband and wife Soprano Ailyn Perez and her husband tenor Stephen Costello (center) also play the main characters. Mr. Costello a native of Philadelphia, has performed the role of Edgardo in Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” at the Fort Worth Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Ailyn has become internationally known since her critically acclaimed portrayal of Amelia in Simon Boccanegra alongside Placido Domingo at the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin and Teatro alla Scala Milan. Both husband and wife are excited to be a part of Romeo and Juliet where they will be working together again.

These two are adorable. Check out this video of them performing a number from La Bohèm

The night’s entertainment included a operatic performance from The Opera Company of Philadelphia
Pianist Bonnie Wagner, Soprano Elizabeth Reiter, bass-baritone Daniel Mobbs, tenor Taylor Stayton, and mezzo-soprano Olivia Vote were magnificent.
There was a very successful silent auction as well as a live auction that brought in additional money to support OCP and it’s educational programs. Evantine Design an award-winning event production company created the beautiful center pieces on each table. I was hoping they were going to be the kind of centerpieces they give away to whoever’s birthday was closest to the day, I was willing to lie. Wouldn’t it have looked lovely on my terrace, and helped me through the rest of the winter? I think so. I am a big fan of Brian Kappra and Evantine Design.
As part of the new fashion-based production of Romeo & Juliet, The Opera Company partnered with three of the premier design schools in the region to create stylish costume design, Moore College of Art and Design, Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and Philadelphia University. Drexel’s University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Moore College of Art & Design, and Philadelphia University were given guidelines by Opera Company veteran costume director Richard St. Clair. The task for their student designers?

“To create stunning, color-rich, avant garde designs to be featured in a runway fashion show within the opera – with a cheeky wink to Renaissance fashion and tabloid magazines,” shares St. Clair. “The director love the idea of engaging, fresh, young talent, showcasing the creativity of many of our area’s up and coming designers.”
The audience loved all the designs, but were particularly perky in their applause with this design by Cassandra Kane, Drexel University. “This was inspired by the extravagant nature of stage costuming” Kane said, “through the manipulation of color, texture, movement and volume. I wanted to challenge of transforming knitwear in to an evening wear piece that is comfortable and practical for the challenges of stage application, while still beautiful and elegant.”

My table mate The Hamels Foundation Director of Operations, G-N Kang said she would wear both of these designs. I was partial to what must have been a rainbow flagged inspired dress on the left. Jennifer Lanyon, Philadelphia University says of the dress on the left, “I was inspired by Renaissance menswear, specifically a pair of pumpkin pants with a German slashing technique. My goal was to create a contemporary version of Shakespearean fashion while still being modern. I chose to use the traditional royal colors to bring out the colors and style in Shakespeare’s story.
the designers Casandra Kane (Drexel University), Heather Royal (Moore College of Art), Jacqueline Ryan (Drexel University), Kristin Eissler (Drexel University) and Prisca Millance (Drexel University)
Michelle J Arditi, Andrew and Heather Sherlock

Carol Lawrence, Kathleen Chimicles and Renee Amoore. Mrs. Chimicles is wearing a dress from one of the designers from Drexel.
Mike’s 2x: Mike Donohoe and Mike Toub
Mike Toub, Eric Hall and Lena Vanler, Nigel Richards and Nicole Cashman, guest, Mina Sabet and GN Kang
GN Kang (left) and NBC10 Show Producer Mina Sabet (right) joined Maria Papadakis (center). Both GN & Maria are wearing Nicole Miller for Mary Dougherty’s shop at the Bellevue.
Joan and Michael Fitzgerald
Sandra Newman, Eliana Papadakis and Renee Amoore
Those crazy lovebirds, newly engaged Hadas Kuznits and Dan Reinherz. Add Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars to Hadas’ as well as Maria Papadakas’ bio as each of the girls will be participating in the The 3rd Annual Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars, benefiting the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter will be on Sunday, April 10.

Alan Sandman, Georgette Ciukurescu and John Pcsolar
The models from John Roberts Powers, Antoinette J Guinyard, Julia Kazmierski, Jia Kim, Gaby Award, Lindsay Lynch, Genevieve Joseph, Lynette Henshaw, and Fadigne Diao
And when the dance floor opened to the sounds of Jump City Jazz Orchestra many of the guests including Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest, Mr and Mrs Steve Sheller, Charlotte and Bob Watts, Nicolas and Kathleen Chimicles, Craig Lewis and Dianne Seminson, Andrea Somkuti and her husband Dr. Stephen Somkuti danced.

A cute ditty from Hadas and Dan.

Philly Chit Chat IS OPENED FOR BUSINESS – I’M GOING FULL TIME AS AN EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER, BLOGGING, COVERING PHILLY, THE PEOPLE & ALL THINGS INTERESTING AS WELL AS ACCEPTING ADVERTISEMENTS. I’m finally doing what my readers and friends have encouraged me to do for the last year and that’s to persue PhillyChitChat full time and to monetize the site. After meeting with several PR people, as well as business folks we have come up with a couple ideas for me to create a living following my passion and serving you.



After many years of being touted as the ‘paralegal by day, paparazzi by night’ in the press and on TV, I have decided to pursue PhillyChitChat.com and event photography as a full time career and leave the legal field behind.

I’ve worked hard, my audience has increased to nearly 100,000 impressions a month, and I receive a lot of positive feedback wherever I go. I really appreciate it all.

But what does this all mean? It means that along with covering select events and happenings that PR folks pitch to me,
* I am now available for hire as your Event Photographer, 24/7 for birthdays, events, charity functions, award ceremonies, luncheons, house parties, fashion shows, and so much more. (The events will appear on PCC if you’d like.)

I will continue to cover events that I am invited to, whether I am hired or not. The only difference is that when you hire me its a guarantee I will be there. You also retain the ownership of the photos for distribution as you please.

* I will continue to cover breaking news, tidbits, people around town, new businesses, interesting observations I come across and story ideas you might send me.

* I understand that some organizations have annual photographers, so for a lower fee I will guarantee an appearance at an event for a write up, and will also cover product launches or trunk shows as advertorial coverage. (The photos remain my property; sometimes a client will want to buy the photos after the fact and that can be arranged.)

*PhillyChitChat.com will now be accepting advertisements for the first time. From restaurants and boutiques, to law offices and accountants, I have different packages that will meet your needs and can provide you with my stats and market. I already have a few as you can see. But a couple are events and expire this month.

I am also going to create a comprehensive Charity Calendar. Not since the Philadelphia Magazine’s Social Datebook back in the mid 2000 has Philadelphia had a decent Social Calendar. It is of no cost (Free) to be listed on the calendar so please send the Save The Date’s as soon as you know. Let’s not have the Fur Ball and another Utley SPCA event on the same night.

So, follow me on twitter ( @iPhillyChitChat ), continue to send me tips or inquire about advertising at buzz@ PhillyChitChat . com , and please continue to share the word about our growing PhillyChitChat.com community!

HughE Dillon
www.PhillyChitChat.com
Media Links/Press/Tear Sheets
PhillyStyleMag & Mediaite says PhillyChitChat #5 Influential blog in Philly 2010
PhillyMag Dec 2010 calls HughE Dillon Philly’s Star Maker

Thursday my new fast friends Mary Carey and Mario Monge Jr. and I took in one of my favorite sites City Hall Tour, the seat of Philadelphia’s Government. Did you know that Mary Carey has political aspirations during the 2003 California recall election, Carey ran for governor. She was an independent candidate, placing tenth in a field of 135 candidates. She ran on an eleven-point platform that included promises of taxing breast implants, making lap dances tax-deductible, and creating a “Porn For Pistols” exchange program. S
Mary told me the other night that she loves loves Philly, and Mario is naturally curious in architecture and buildings in general as he is a skilled electrician.
At 12:30 in Rm 121 we began the City Hall building tour. I am actually in training to give this tour every Wednesday starting 2/23/11. Years before I was PhillyChitChat I used to volunteer and give this tour.
Surprisingly even though the the duo seemed to be freezing, they talked about how nice Philadelphia was, clean and the friendly people. As we walked around City Hall Mary expressed a desire to maybe move here. Mario was excited that it was a Union town as I mentioned he’s an electrician. It was fascinating for me to as I was sharing my knowledge of the architectural elements of the building, he was telling me about the conduits and fiber optic piping.
2nd close encounter with Mayor Nutter (the first one was at 10 Arts on Tuesday night) According to Wikepedia “During and immediately following her gubernatorial bid in 2003, Carey was occasionally featured as a guest on various political talk shows. Carey maintained on the Fox News Channel on March 16, 2006 that her pornographic films are not a negative to her political career, citing the political successes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan. She also maintained that, unlike the films in which Schwarzenegger and Reagan starred, her films are about ‘love.'”
When we were in the City Council Caucus Room Mary’s thoughts returned to community service and expressed the desire to possibly run for City Council if she moved to Philadelphia. I told her the time was now as several City Council Members were up for re-election next year.

Although Mary seems to be affiliated with the Republican party having appeared on Fox News, The Republican Convention and National Republican Dinner. If Sarah Palin can aspire to be the next republican in the White House,I do believe Mary Carey could be the next Republican Philadelphia City Council President. One of her first orders will be to roll back the clock above her chair to Daylight Savings Time as I took this picture at 1:57PMWe then headed up to the observation tower so we could view her future kingdom
The last time Mary and Mario came to Philly, they covered all the important tourist sites like running up the Rocky Stairs and posing in front of his statue. Mario pointed out that Sylvester Stallone was from Philadelphia and made a soft porn at the beginning of his career. Now look how successful he is in mainstream movies.
Then it was on to the Reading Terminal. Both were really impressed by the space, and Mary, who’s a vegetarian, not only found her new favorite eating place in Philly, but right across the aisle is a perogies selling vendor. Her grandmother always made them for her while she was growing up. She loves them. She mentioned the last time she was in town Philly Daily News’ Dan Gross recommended Mother’s, which was delicious too.
Mary kisses Philbert at the Reading Terminal for good luck on her potential upcoming campaign.

New York Knicks fans showed Justin Bieber their true colors last night, booing the 16-year-old pop star when his image graced Madison Square Garden’s JumboTron. Now Black Book Mag online lists the Top 5 Celebrity Boo’s and of course Sarah Palin helps Philly Make’s the list HERE

If you saw a film set yesterday around the Clothes Pin, in City Hall and near the Reading Terminal it’s for a Verizon Commercial. Today they will be filming at more locations, but their trailers are over by the Reading Terminal, which is a real bummer for those wanting to part on Filbert Street near 12th for the Philly Auto Show.

Every month if your lucky like me, you receive an update on Where Magazine Laura Burkhardt’s fascinating journey’s as well as interesting facts on the City. I borrowed two of them. Yesterday I told you about the Reading Terminal’s Valentine’s Dance. Laura has a little more detail as they sponsored her letter. Hmmm sponsorship that sounds like a good way to monitize my blog too. Also there’s a note about one of her advertisers Tweed and a special they’re running. You know I love Tweed.
Reading Terminal Market is bringing their fans together on February 26th for a very special event – Valentine to the Market! The festivities kick off with an exciting pre-party VIP event at 6 p.m., featuring specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, celebrity guests and a special commemorative gift – $300 (limited availability). Local personalities pair with celebrity chefs including Michael Schulson, Joseph Poon, Delilah Winder, and Daniel Stern in an aphrodisiac mystery-ingredient cook-off. Eat your heart out and dance the night away at the main event, beginning at 7 p.m., and for those late-night revelers, a dance and dessert party at 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Reading Terminal Market Preservation Trust and will be used to preserve and enhance the historic Reading Terminal Market for future generations. Now how delicious is that? Now click on the link below and purchase your tickets now!
Reading Terminal Market

New Late-Night Menu at Tweed Tweed (114 S 12th St.) has an all-new late-night menu from 10 p.m. until midnight on Monday thru Thursday, and from 11 p.m. onward during the weekend. Insider tip: try Tweed’s “Tiers” for only $18, which includes three delicious appetizer varieties. 215-923-3300 or visit www.tweedrestaurant.com

2/10/11 – Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN!!! I am so excited for this event and currently working on getting a few special guests athletes. The event will be 5:30 – 7:30pm.
Bill Rasmussen 1818 Market Street Tickets can be found here.

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The Academy Ball Gala Part 2 (Part 1 is Here). Now I have to tell you after the concert I went to Jerry Blavat’s concert at the Kimmel Center and the VIP party at Wolfgang Puck’s. I finally made it back over to the Gala at the Bellevue around 1AM. I started in the ‘food court” as that was where my friends were hanging out, in the “nightclub”.
I couldn’t believe the transformation of the room, it was beautiful. I must find out who did the decor, all I saw in the book was that Valley Forge Flowers provided the floral arrangements, which were stunning.

Harper Blynn band, plus I take you around to show you the nightclub a bit.
Shea Hagy, Angela Nino, Co-Chairs of the Young Friends Committee Teresa Nino and Sam Hamilton with Steve Sader. Young Friends Committees are a good way to introduce the younger generation, the next generation to such an exquisite tradition and charitable cause as the Academy Ball Gala to save one of Philadelphia’s greatest treasured the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as maintain the Broad Street Jewel The Academy of Music.
Justin Wineburgh and Allison Binder. Justin tells me that his clients movie “Rebirth,” premiered at Sundance on 1/21. The film is a documentary directed by Jim Whitaker (8 Mile, American Gangster, etc.), and examines the 10 year period following the 9/11 attacks as it follows 5 people who were impacted by the tragedy. It received great reviews.
Adam Novik and Claire Letts
Kelly Boyd KB Consultants looking stunning in Carolina Herrera with Rich Furino, GM Del Frisco’s
Random folks who stopped mid-dance for me to photograph them. Everyone was having such a good time it was infectious.
Katie, Rachel Moore and Maria Papadakis
Eddie Dseguera, guest and Jeff Miller, GM of Hyatt

I then made my way upstairs, I thought the party went til dawn, but it ended at 2am so I had to work quickly if I was going to see it all.
Everyone looked so beautiful just as I had envisioned
be still my heart waltzes on the dance floor. Alex Donner entertainment. This room is across from the Grand Ballroom. It often holds conferences or as I call it the auction room. When large events utilize the Grand Ballroom, they put their silent auction items and have the cocktail party in this room.
the foyer outside of the Grand Ballroom. I was just here for the introduction of the Chancellor to the Bar earlier in January you might recall.
The Grand Ballroom. I heard that hours earlier it was packed with people.
The Rosalyn McClure Dance Orchestra kept everyone on their feet
Nachman Zada and Margie Obod
more waltzing, so graceful and beautiful.
Fred and Barbara Whit, Renee and Ron Hammond, Chuck & Jo Montufar
CTO’s Downtown Band. There are those shots that reminded me of a glamorous time in life we can only recall in movies or when talking to the older generation. A time when after the gala ended folks would go to the Hunt Club, Harlow’s, Paulumbo’s the Vesper Club. Hang out with Cardinal Dougherty, Jack Kelly, Richard Dilworth, the Mrs Pews, or Clothier, then Ruth Seltzer would write about the various tidbits that occurred that evening, but like me only include the fun moments in her column, and in later years David Iams would recall the night in a similar fashion with his own unique flair. That what I think of when I see the photos on the wall in the Cafe at XIX.

CTO Uptown band was in XIX but as I arrived so late to cover the party I didn’t make it to that room in time before they broke it down.

Matt O’Reilly and Jess Clough being swept up in the music.
The End, until next year. Look for all the photos from tonight to be included in the online album tomorrow. Have a Great Day.

CBS 3/THE CW PHILLY AND KYW NEWSRADIO 1060

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BY SHOWCASING NEXT GENERATION OF BLACK ARTISTS

Philadelphia, February 1, 2011 – For the second year in a row, CBS 3 and The CW Philly

will highlight the next generation of influential Black artists in Philadelphia in celebration

of Black History Month. The television stations will air a series of six vignettes hosted

by Anchor Ukee Washington all month, each focusing on a different young artist

speaking about his or her profession and role in contributing to Black History. KYW

Newsradio 1060 will also feature a series of reports by Karin Phillips on the artists

throughout February.

Featured artists include: Jeff Townes aka DJ Jazzy Jeff, renowned music producer;

Carvin “Ransum” Haggins and Ivan “Orthodox” Barias, the GRAMMY Award-winning

songwriting and production team known as Carvin & Ivan; singer/songwriter Carol

Riddick, who is also senior project manager at the Philadelphia GRAMMY® Chapter;

drummer George “Spanky” McCurdy, who is currently touring with Lady Gaga;

entrepreneur Sulaiman Rahman, chairman of the board of directors of the African-

American Chamber of Commerce and CEO/President of UrbanPhilly.com, and Ernel

Martinez, an artist with the Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia.

The young artists featured are creative ambassadors for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism

and Marketing Corporation’s Philly 360°® program, a campaign designed to expand the

region’s visitor base by attracting a new group of African-American travelers who are

young, affluent, tech savvy and driven to a destination based on its contemporary cultural

“We’re continuing this popular initiative for a second year,” says CBS 3/CW Philly

President and General Manager Jon Hitchcock, “because it so clearly demonstrates that

Black History is still happening today. It’s important that we record it for generations to

“The individuals spotlighted in this campaign continue to break new ground for those

that come after them,” says Marc Rayfield, Senior Vice President and Market Manager

for the CBS Radio Stations in Philadelphia. “It’s an honor to bring them a platform to

showcase their talents.”

CBS 3 and The CW Philly acknowledge Philly 360°®, a marketing program from the

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Jackson Hewitt and

Community College of Philadelphia, sponsors of its Black History celebration.

CBS 3 (KYW-TV) and The CW Philly 57 (WPSG-TV) are part of CBS Television

Stations, a division of CBS Corporation. KYW Newsradio 1060 is owned and operated

by CBS RADIO.